Curettage versus Zinc Oxide Eugenol as a Treatment Modality in Patients with Dry Socket

Document Type : Original Article

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Lecturer of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Kafr ElSheikh University, Kafr ElSheikh, Egypt.

Abstract

Dry socket (DS) is a very common complication of dental extraction. Although it is due to healing retardation, pain is the most important symptom in DS. Variant studies discussed many treatment methods for pain alleviation, but with wide controversy regarding the efficacy. Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) is an old treatment depends on the obtunding neurotoxic properties of eugenol. Zinc oxide eugenol was recommended by many authors; however, there is no general recommendation. Curettage was an accepted treatment method by some authors, but was contraindicated by others. The literature does not provide enough comparative data of two or more agents. In the current comparative study, forty patients with DS were randomly divided into two equal groups. In Group I, curettage was performed to remove the superficial layer of the bone of the extraction socket. A gauze pack was placed over the socket for 20 minutes. For group II a brief saline irrigation of the extraction socket was followed by lightly packing with a cotton pellet impregnated with fresh mix of ZOE. The current study demonstrated that curettage is more efficient than ZOE with regards to the required total treatment period and the number of the needed analgesic tablets.

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